MPI leading education at 2014 IMEX America

Aug 13, 2014

Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the largest association for meeting and event professionals, will deliver industry-leading education during the fourth edition of IMEX America in Las Vegas this October.

MPI is the strategic partner and education provider for the tradeshow and will once again present the daily keynotes as well as power IMEX’s renowned Smart Monday program on Oct.13. Additionally, the MPI Foundation will host Rendezvous, the IMEX America Night, which is the must-attend fundraising and networking event for attendees.

“We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees on our education sessions at IMEX America for the past three years and look forward to presenting the keynotes and Smart Monday, powered by MPI, again this year,” said Paul Van Deventer, president and CEO, MPI. “MPI has a strong partnership with the IMEX Group, so our teams are diligently working hand-in-hand to provide another robust program for the tradeshow’s thousands of attendees.”

MPI will offer a total of 35 education sessions during IMEX America. Smart Monday will feature 31 education sessions, including a keynote, four deep dives and MPI’s Healthcare Meeting Compliance Certificate (HMCC) Program course. Clock hours can be earned for most sessions, and key topics include hotel and incentive travel trends, risk management and contracts, technology, green and socially responsible meetings, meeting design and more.

“I’m delighted that Smart Monday has become such an asset for the meetings and events industry and is established as a high-value attraction in its own right,” stated Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group. “MPI has taken a lead role since the launch of IMEX America in producing the Smart Monday program as well as collaborating with a host of additional trade associations to ensure the broadest possible curriculum for buyers and suppliers on the day. With more than 200 education sessions also happening at IMEX America across four days, the show is set to combine business, networking and education on a larger scale than ever before.”

MPI will present the following four well-known and thought-provoking keynote speakers each morning of IMEX America.

Oct. 13
Steve Gross – How Joy and Optimism Ignite the Best in Us
A recognized expert in utilizing joyful play to promote resiliency, Gross will teach attendees how to use playfulness to energize individuals, teams and organizations, and help them reach their full potential.

Oct. 14
James Sun – Color Does Matter: The Truth About Diversity in the 21st Century
Sun, a former finalist on Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice” and co-founder of the start-up that created the social media app, Anomo, will discuss his philosophy about the need for diversity and its impact on ethnic social dynamics.

Oct. 15
John Spence – The Fundamentals of Excellence
Spence will present tips for creating a competitive business strategy and transforming staff into a high-performance team based on his book, “Awesomely Simple,” and his work at more than 300 organizations worldwide.

Oct. 16
Wendy Booker – I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends
Booker, a multiple sclerosis survivor who has climbed mountains on six continents, shares insights on the value and power of teamwork and how to leverage connections to accomplish goals.

MPI will also present education in its booth (#3408) for the first time. Attendees are encouraged to stop by to network and learn more about MPI membership and volunteer opportunities.

In addition, the MPI Foundation will host Rendezvous, the IMEX America Night on Wednesday evening, Oct. 15 at the recently opened Drais’, a lavish indoor and outdoor club located in The Cromwell hotel, which is a Caesars Entertainment property. Funds raised from the signature event are invested in scholarships, chapter grants and pan-industry research – all of which help secure the future success of the meeting and event industry. More details and ticket information will be published soon at www.mpiweb.org/rendezvous-imex.